Which corn pest is a rootworm that damages roots?

• A. European corn borer
• B. Corn earworm
• C. Western corn rootworm
• D. Corn leaf aphid

Answer: (C)

Root-feeding damage targets underground parts, where larvae of rootworms feed on the plant’s roots, weakening the entire plant and often causing reduced water and nutrient uptake and lodging. Among the options, the pest known for being a rootworm that damages roots is the Western corn rootworm, whose larval stage specifically feeds on corn roots. The other insects attack above-ground tissues or different parts of the plant: the European corn borer bores into stalks and ears, the corn earworm feeds on ears and kernels, and the corn leaf aphid sucks sap from leaves.